Laura Samso

Background

About Laura Samso

I’m a tech futurist and forecasting analyst at Airbus Defence & Space,where I focus on future trends, data-driven insights, and strategic foresight in aerospace and defense. Outside of my core role, I lead independent research and public speaking at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, drones, human-machine symbiosis, and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T). I explore how exponential technologies shape leadership, ethics, and decision-making under complexity — with a current focus on ethical hacking and system vulnerabilities. In 2025, I moderated a high-level defense innovation panel at Xponential (U.S.), featuring the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and presented two sessions. Earlier that year, I also spoke at the inaugural European edition of Xponential in Düsseldorf, sharing insights on AI and human-machine integration (HMI). Over the years, I’ve spoken at international forums such as Hacker Halted, ESA, IATA, UNVEX, AUVSI Xponential and ISPRS covering topics including: • Cyberwarfare, ethical hacking, and drone hacking use cases • High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) and my early research aligned with Zephyr’s evolution • Cyber-physical systems in disaster response, cargo security, and drone autonomy • Stealth technology and threat detection resilience in uncrewed systems • IMU-driven guidance and autonomous precision systems • Distributed satellite systems and UAV monitoring for Arctic pipelines My publications include a 2014 paper with NATO’s Joint Air Power Competence Centre, with several collaborations currently underway. I previously founded a strategy consultancy and supported U.S-based innovation ventures. I’ve led socio-economic initiatives in countries like Nepal and Jordan, co-authored canyoning guides and books, and organized international training programs. One of our team canyoning exploration was recognized with a high level mountain exploration award. I serve on the UIAA Expert Training Panel and volunteer with the Project Management Institute (PMI), where I received the PMI Trailblazer Award in 2014. I’m also a Toastmasters officer and a certified canyoning and Level 1 mountain guide,bringing these experiences into leadership and resilience coaching. I’ve also been invited to speak in Spanish ecosystem on the value of cross-sector collaboration and global professional networks, reflecting engagement in various innovation and leadership communities. I’m driven by curiosity, purpose,and the belief that we can shape a more secure,resilient, ethical future through collaboration between humans & intelligent systems.